Assisi

This past weekend Ben, one of the seminarians, celebrated his birthday. His favorite saint is Francis, and so we found it fitting to make a group trip to Assisi. Only about a two hour train ride from Rome, and is a very inexpensive weekend. The city is quite small, yet is rich in Franciscan heritage. It is the birthplace and home of St. Francis, as well as St. Clair. Francis lived during the early 13th century, and is known for his upbringing in a wealthy family, which he renounced by handing over every last belonging of his, in order to follow Christ in poverty. Many other men and women were attracted to this way of life, and they to adapted it. It united them with the poor and suffering they served. St. Clair was one of these followers.

The weekend was very enjoyable, and has been one of my favorite places thus far. It was time away from the city with the guys, and visiting the sites of Francis and Clair. It was also a beautiful landscape!

This weekend I'll be running in the Maratona di Roma (Rome Marathon). The race will begin at 9am Sunday, which is 3am Central Time. If you think of it, say a prayer for me before you go to bed Saturday night. I'd appreciate it. Next post I will share about the race. Blessings!

For When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong

It has been one month already since returning from our pilgrimage at the start of the semester. As I reflected on this time, I would like to share two memorable moments.
In mid February we visited the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, and served for Mass. Just as each diocese in the United States has a cathedral, so also does Rome. It was constructed in the 4th Century after the Emperor Constantine defeated the previous Emperor Maxentius. This was the first Christian Church Constantine built, known as the “victory church” for it represented an end to the heavy persecutions imposed upon early Christians by the Roman Empire. It was an enjoyable evening for the whole St. Thomas Community living here, as we were able to celebrate Mass together in this Mother Church for Christianity, and afterwards, the 30 or so of us went out for dinner.
Secondly, our day trip to Siena. This beautiful and peaceful village is nestled in the midst of the Tuscan hills, a couple hours north of Rome. It is where the young Saint Catherine spent her childhood. Here, I visited the home of Catherine’s youth, and the church where she attended Mass each morning. At her home, we were able to pray in the very places she went to spend time in silence with her Lord. It was through this time her heart was enkindled with a love to answer Christ’s invitation to follow him, and this she did with great joy. Today, she has left a profound impression on Christianity. She, along with every saint, are recognized by the church because it is through their lives, we are both inspired and encouraged to not be afraid to follow God, because as we see, such a great trust and humble surrender can be used by Him to convert many hearts back to his love. As Scripture says, “For the sake of Christ then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong” -2 Corinthians 12:10.